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Ranking every premiership team since 2010

See who tops the list!

Published by
Zero Hanger

We've ranked all the premiership sides since 2010 to see who is the best of the best!

Of course, comparing football royalty is no easy task, and one side had to come in at No. 11 despite still being as elite as they come.

The teams' pure talent on paper, form over the entire season and ability to step up in big matches and all came into consideration for our rankings.

HERE IS HOW WE RANKED EVERY PREMIERSHIP SIDE SINCE 2020, COUNTING DOWN FROM 11-1: 

Western Bulldogs 2016

Unfortunately, one team had to be last, and it was the young pups who famously ended a 72-year drought in 2016. The Bulldogs edged their club into the history books with a fighting triumph over the Swans by 22 points.

The Bulldogs boasted some talented youngsters along with experienced heads and were the best team at the right time but not necessarily as good on paper, finishing seventh at the end of the season and defeating four strong sides along the journey.

None of the 22 selected had previously played in a grand final, but it made no difference on the day.

Veterans Matthew Boyd and Dale Morris stood tall while a young cast of Bontempelli, Liberatore, Boyd, McLean and Dunkley surprised us all with one of the best team performances of the decade. Key position players Joel Hamling, Zaine Cordy and Fletcher Roberts just don't compare to some of the names from earlier in the decade.

Robert Murphy and Easton Wood of the Bulldogs hold up the premiership cup during the 2016 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 01, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Western Bulldogs
B: 39 Jason Johannisen 30 Joel Hamling 5 Matthew Boyd
HB: 24 Shane Biggs 38 Dale Morris 10 Easton Wood (c)
C: 7 Lachie Hunter 4 Marcus Bontempelli 42 Liam Picken
HF: 11 Jackson Macrae 12 Zaine Cordy 9 Jake Stringer
F: 29 Tory Dickson 17 Tom Boyd 14 Clay Smith
Foll: 23 Jordan Roughead 6 Luke Dahlhaus 21 Tom Liberatore
Int: 16 Toby McLean 18 Fletcher Roberts 20 Josh Dunkley
35 Caleb Daniel
Coach: Luke Beveridge

West Coast 2018

This West Coast team hosted a group of midfielders at the top or nearing the top of their game. Dom Sheed's goal made him a household name, but it was Elliot Yeo and Luke Shuey's finals series that moved them into the elite category.

A like-minded defence, finals veterans Will Schofield and Shannon Hurn were aided by the ever-growing Tom Barrass, Tom Cole and Liam Duggan, while we saw some magic moments from Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli all season long. Retiring on a high note was Mark LeCras, and the dynamic pair of Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling made for one of the elite one-two punches during any premiership decider.

On paper these Eagles remain strong, but weren't as dominant as other flag-winners.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Dom Sheed of the Eagles and Brayden Maynard of the Magpies compete for the ball during the 2018 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the West Coast Eagles and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
West Coast Eagles
B: 25 Shannon Hurn (c) 37 Tom Barrass 31 Will Schofield
HB: 28 Tom Cole 20 Jeremy McGovern 23 Lewis Jetta
C: 8 Jack Redden 6 Elliot Yeo 7 Chris Masten
HF: 34 Mark Hutchings 27 Jack Darling 2 Mark LeCras
F: 44 Willie Rioli 17 Josh Kennedy 15 Jamie Cripps
Foll: 29 Scott Lycett 13 Luke Shuey 4 Dom Sheed
Int: 1 Liam Ryan 14 Liam Duggan 18 Daniel Venables
19 Nathan Vardy
Coach: Adam Simpson

Richmond 2017

Not too dissimilar to the current side, the 2017 Tigers made their mark on the competition with a dominant display when it mattered.  A frightening sight for any forward, the Tigers stood strong with Dylan Grimes, Alex Rance, David Astbury and Nick Vlastuin all playing vital roles. Runners Brandon Ellis and Kamydn McIntosh's allowed Bachar Houli to flourish.

Jacob Townsend and Jack Graham both broke into the side late, but achieved the unexpected playing alongside reliable ball-winners Dion Prestia, Shaun Grigg, Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert and Josh Caddy. We haven't even got to the Cotchin/Martin combo.

Unlike most premiership sides, Richmond opted for just one key forward. Jack Riewoldt was the tall target, while the mosquito fleet of Dan Butler, Jason Castagna, Daniel Rioli and even Martin made for an exciting brand of footy.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Richmond
B: 5 Brandon Ellis 18 Alex Rance 2 Dylan Grimes
HB: 14 Bachar Houli 12 David Astbury 1 Nick Vlastuin
C: 33 Kamdyn McIntosh 9 Trent Cotchin 21 Jacob Townsend
HF: 23 Kane Lambert 4 Dustin Martin 22 Josh Caddy
F: 40 Dan Butler 8 Jack Riewoldt 17 Daniel Rioli
Foll: 25 Toby Nankervis 3 Dion Prestia 6 Shaun Grigg
Int: 10 Shane Edwards 34 Jack Graham 35 Nathan Broad
46 Jason Castagna
Coach: Damien Hardwick

Sydney 2012

A team with a wealth of experience, season 2012 was a strange year to finish third on the ladder. The Swans journey to grand final day came off the back of a 29-point win over Adelaide, before advancing with a 26-point win over Collingwood. The Grand Final had it all, lead changes and a last-minute sealer from Nick Malceski gave Sydney their second flag of the 21st century.

A familiar trend with premiership teams, the Swans had one of the more consistent and solid back six groups, lead be Rhyce Shaw and Ted Richards. The match included a heart-gripping foot race from Sydney's Lewis Jetta and Hawks champion Cyril Rioli, exactly what the 99,683 fanatics came to see.

Veteran's Adam Goodes and Ryan O'Keefe were spectacular in the big games, with the latter winning the Norm Smith Medal. It was a premiership triumph that showed the entire league how strong the might bloods culture can be.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Nick Malceski of the Swans is congratulated by team-mates after kicking a goal during the 2012 AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 29, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Sydney
B: 2 Rhyce Shaw 25 Ted Richards 29 Martin Mattner
HB: 34 Alex Johnson 39 Heath Grundy 40 Nick Smith
C: 32 Lewis Jetta 15 Kieren Jack 4 Dan Hannebery
HF: 14 Craig Bird 20 Sam Reid 5 Ryan O'Keefe
F: 3 Jarrad McVeigh (c) 37 Adam Goodes 30 Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Foll: 41 Shane Mumford 12 Josh Kennedy 24 Jude Bolton
Int: 9 Nick Malceski 38 Mike Pyke 10 Mitch Morton
26 Luke Parker (sub)
Coach: John Longmire

Collingwood 2010

Collingwood broke a 20-year premiership drought to be the best team of 2010. The Saints played their grand final the week before, and many supporters knew how this one would pan out a week later. Credit to the Magpies, who boasted a quality time for a few years.

Captain Nick Maxwell led his troops as good as any, Heath Shaw and Harry O'Brien ran the ball out of defence and Nathan Brown and Ben Reid held down the fort.

A midfield group of Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas, Dayne Beams, Darren Jolly, Steele Sidebottom and Luke Ball is arguably one of the best ever, while role players Tyson Goldsack, Alan Toovey and Jarryd Blair became fan favourites.

Throw in veterans like Ben Johnson, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak and Leon Davis and you had one of the great premiership sides of the modern era.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Nick Maxwell and Mick Malthouse the coach of the Magpies hold up the Premiership Cup after the Magpies won the AFL Grand Final Replay match between the Collingwood Magpies and the St Kilda Saints at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 2, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Collingwood
B: 5 Nick Maxwell (c) 16 Nathan Brown 34 Alan Toovey
HB: 8 Harry O'Brien 20 Ben Reid 39 Heath Shaw
C: 21 Sharrod Wellingham 36 Dane Swan 26 Ben Johnson
HF: 4 Alan Didak 32 Travis Cloke 12 Luke Ball
F: 17 Dayne Beams 31 Chris Dawes 22 Steele Sidebottom
Foll: 18 Darren Jolly 10 Scott Pendlebury 13 Dale Thomas
Int: 47 Jarryd Blair 30 Brent Macaffer 6 Tyson Goldsack
15 Leigh Brown
Coach: Mick Malthouse


Richmond 2019

The Tigers won their second flag in three years with a team that was as well structured, tough and resilient as they come.

Struck down with a host of injuries during the season that saw them sitting outside the top eight, Richmond went on to win 12-straight games, culminating in the grand final triumph over GWS by a whopping 89 points.

While there weren't too many changes from their 2017 outfit and they may even look weaker on paper without star defender Alex Rance (ACL), the majority of this team got much better over the two years.

Bachar Houli, Nick Vlastuin, David Astbury and Dylan Grimes were in career-best form and formed the basis of an unbreakable defence, more than covering for Rance's absence.

Dion Prestia was at the peak of his powers in the guts, Dustin Martin was back to his brilliant best and the addition of Tom Lynch cannot be understated, forming an imposing twin towers combination with Jack Riewoldt up forward.

These Tigers were clearly on another level to every rival side, cueing some calls of the 'D' word.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tigers head coach Damien Hardwick and Trent Cotchin of the Tigers show the Premiership Trophy to the crowd during the Richmond Tigers Post AFL Grand Final Celebrations at Punt Road Oval on September 29, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. The Richmond Tigers beat the Greater Western Sydney Giants in yesterday's AFL Grand Final. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

 

Richmond
B: 12 David Astbury 35 Nathan Broad 2 Dylan Grimes
HB: 14 Bachar Houli 1 Nick Vlastuin 15 Jayden Short
C: 5 Brandon Ellis 3 Dion Prestia 22 Josh Caddy
HF: 17 Daniel Rioli 9 Trent Cotchin (c) 23 Kane Lambert
F: 11 Jason Castagna 19 Tom Lynch 8 Jack Riewoldt
Foll: 25 Toby Nankervis 10 Shane Edwards 4 Dustin Martin
Int: 29 Shai Bolton 47 Ivan Soldo 48 Liam Baker
50 Marlion Pickett
Coach: Damien Hardwick

Richmond 2020

The 2020 Tigers come in high on our list and ahead of the club's two previous premiership teams of the modern era. Two words: heart and durability.

Richmond did not necessarily have the best home and away season and even lost their first final, but this is a team that overcame some of the most trying circumstances ever in an AFL season.

They spent the majority of the season on the road in a hub, winning both of their finals and the flag in unfamiliar terrority. So much for that MCG bias? It was also the only grand final where Richmond were truly challenged, coming up against probably their toughest opponent of the trifecta.

A very similar side to the year prior, the likes of Noah Balta, Jayden Short and Shai Bolton really emerged in 2020 to round out this team better than ever before, while the rest of the team was another year older and wiser. A side perfectly moulded for tough finals where everyone plays their role to perfection.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 24: (L-R) Jayden Short, Tom J. Lynch, Jason Castagna and Kamdyn McIntosh of the Tigers celebrate during the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on October 24, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Richmond
B: 12 David Astbury 2 Dylan Grimes 21 Noah Balta
HB: 7 Liam Baker 1 Nick Vlastuin 14 Bachar Houli
C: 33 Kamdyn McIntosh 3 Dion Prestia 50 Marlion Pickett
HF: 23 Kane Lambert 11 Jason Castagna 4 Dustin Martin
F: 19 Tom Lynch 8 Jack Riewoldt 17 Daniel Rioli
Foll: 25 Toby Nankervis 10 Shane Edwards 9 Trent Cotchin (c)
Int: 34 Jack Graham 29 Shai Bolton 15 Jayden Short
35 Nathan Broad
Coach: Damien Hardwick

Hawthorn 2013

The first of their dominant three-peat, Hawthorn's 2013 side had some veteran players who went out in style. Still having Lance Franklin at the helm, the Hawks quickly shut down a fairy-tale season for Fremantle with a handy 17-point win.

With Franklin and Jarryd Roughead the twin towers, Jack Gunston was the third tall who begun building his reputation as a consistent performer.

Brian Lake was awarded best-on-ground in the decider, but it was a midfield that consisted of Sam Mitchell, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne to go with a young Brad Hill and prime Cyril Rioli, setting them up for future success.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: The Hawks celebrates with the Premiership Cup after winning the 2013 AFL Grand Final match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 28, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Hawthorn
B: 24 Ben Stratton 17 Brian Lake 18 Brent Guerra
HB: 9 Shaun Burgoyne 6 Josh Gibson 14 Grant Birchall
C: 16 Isaac Smith 5 Sam Mitchell 3 Jordan Lewis
HF: 22 Luke Breust 23 Lance Franklin 33 Cyril Rioli
F: 28 Paul Puopolo 2 Jarryd Roughead 20 David Hale
Foll: 39 Max Bailey 12 Brad Sewell 15 Luke Hodge (c)
Int: 26 Liam Shiels 19 Jack Gunston 10 Bradley Hill
32 Jonathan Simpkin (sub)
Coach: Alastair Clarkson

Geelong 2011

The Cats took down a Collingwood team arguably stronger than their previous premiership season through a mix of youth and experience.

This Geelong team was as good as you will ever see. A midfield consisting of Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Ling and Joel Corey rarely got beaten.

All of Scarlett, Enright, Lonergan and Taylor quickly became club legends to form one of the greatest defences ever, while a forward group including Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman and Steve Johnson did plenty of damage.

An interchange of James Kelly, Matthew Stokes,  Allen Christensen and Mitch Duncan made this team hard to dislike, as the Cats won their second premiership in three years with Chris Scott's first season in charge.

Above all, the 2011 Cats stepped up in the big games, a true testament to a great side.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Mitch Duncan and Corey Enright of the Cats celebrate with the Premiership Cup after winning the 2011 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 1, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)
Geelong
B: 8 Josh Hunt 30 Matthew Scarlett 13 Tom Lonergan
HB: 44 Corey Enright 7 Harry Taylor 40 David Wojcinski
C: 14 Joel Selwood 3 Jimmy Bartel 4 Andrew Mackie
HF: 20 Steve Johnson 26 Tom Hawkins 5 Travis Varcoe
F: 12 Trent West 31 James Podsiadly 35 Paul Chapman
Foll: 6 Brad Ottens 45 Cameron Ling (c) 11 Joel Corey
Int: 9 James Kelly 27 Mathew Stokes 28 Allen Christensen
22 Mitch Duncan (sub)
Coach: Chris Scott

Hawthorn 2014

The Hawks' back-to-back flags seemed effortless and while there weren't too many changes to their 2013 team, boasted a stronger unit that played a stronger brand of footy.

The biggest difference from 2013 was the departure of Franklin, who defected to Sydney on a long-term deal with the Swans. But the 2014 Hawks actually got better without the star forward, creating a more selfless, unpredictable attack that allowed the likes of Roughead, Gunston and Luke Breust to flourish.

The addition of Ben McEvoy was a big upgrade in the ruck department that helped the midfield thrive.

For some Hawks it was premiership number three, for others it was their second.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Matt Spangher of the Hawks is cheered by team mates after getting his premeirship medallion during the 2014 AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Hawthorn
B: 14 Grant Birchall 17 Brian Lake 6 Josh Gibson
HB: 4 Matt Suckling 24 Ben Stratton 5 Sam Mitchell
C: 3 Jordan Lewis 29 Will Langford 10 Brad Hill
HF: 15 Luke Hodge (c) 2 Jarryd Roughead 16 Isaac Smith
F: 7 Ben McEvoy 19 Jack Gunston 22 Luke Breust
Foll: 20 David Hale 26 Liam Shiels 9 Shaun Burgoyne
Int: 27 Matthew Spangher 33 Cyril Rioli 28 Paul Puopolo
8 Taylor Duryea (sub)
Coach: Alastair Clarkson

Hawthorn 2015

Our greatest premiership side of the decade, the 2015 three-peat Hawks had it all.

Adding James Frawley to an already elite back six formed one of the most formidable defences of all time. Rioli was in career-best form, while Mitchell, Hodge and Lewis were all still at the peak of their powers. It was a classy team where every player knew their role and played it to perfection, with razor-sharp skills and a bulletproof game plan.

Loaded with stars everywhere, this team had a remarkable 12 All-Australians. It's hard to describe how dominant the three-peat was, but it's something that footy fans may never see again.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 04: Alastair Clarkson the coach and Luke Hodge the captain of the Hawks pose with the 2013, 2014 and 2015 premiership trophies during the Hawthorn Hawks AFL Grand Final fan day at Glenferrie Oval on October 4, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Hawthorn
B: 24 Ben Stratton 17 Brian Lake 12 James Frawley
HB: 14 Grant Birchall 6 Josh Gibson 9 Shaun Burgoyne
C: 10 Bradley Hill 5 Sam Mitchell 26 Liam Shiels
HF: 33 Cyril Rioli 25 Ryan Schoenmakers 16 Isaac Smith
F: 22 Luke Breust 2 Jarryd Roughead 28 Paul Puopolo
Foll: 7 Ben McEvoy 15 Luke Hodge (c) 3 Jordan Lewis
Int: 4 Matt Suckling 8 Taylor Duryea 20 David Hale
19 Jack Gunston
Coach: Alastair Clarkson

 

Published by
Zero Hanger